Astounding Achievements in Trail Running
At the beginning of this year, Karla Wagner, a 62-year-old athletic wonder, secured second place in the 100-mile division of the Grandmaster Ultras. This unique Arizona trail running event is specifically tailored for runners aged 50 and above, known as the “grandmaster” age group.
In her earlier years, Wagner, who hails from Lander, Wyoming, steered clear of running due to her asthma. However, with the advancements in asthma medications, she incorporated trail running into her fitness routine, becoming utterly besotted with the sport in her early fifties.
Motivated by the thrill of running amidst natural beauty and bolstered by the supportive trail running community, Wagner scaled up to 100-mile ultramarathons in her late fifties. Upon turning 60, she successfully completed the Moab 240-mile ultra, a challenging race that traverses the canyons and deserts of South-East Utah.
The Thrill of Trail Running
For those unacquainted with the term, trail running refers to the sport of running on dirt trails instead of paved roads or measured flat tracks. Any race that spans a distance longer than a marathon (26.2 miles) is known as an ultra-marathon, often shortened to “ultras”. While some ultras do take place on tracks or paved surfaces, most trail routes are the preferred choice, hence the term “ultrarunning” generally alludes to extra-long-distance trail running.
The practice and culture of trail running, especially at ultra distances, differ significantly from traditional road and track running. More intimate and smaller in size, trail races often lead runners through less congested environments, often up mountains or across deserts, where the terrain grows more rugged and hilly.
According to consumer research conducted in 2025, trail running is experiencing a faster growth rate than road running, with figures from UltraRunning magazine indicating that the number of runners who completed an ultra in North America nearly doubled since 2015, hitting 102,714 individuals in the previous year.
Why Trail Running Appeals to Older Individuals
With time, a growing number of mature runners, like Wagner, have discovered the joy and health benefits of trail running. These include improved cardiovascular health, increased bone density, enhanced social connections, and the exhilaration and diversity of running in natural surroundings. The slower, steady pace makes them feel energetic, robust, and accomplished.
Getting Started with Trail Running
If you are eager to try trail running, it’s advisable first to build a base fitness level through lower impact activities like walking, before attempting to run on trails. Be prepared to gradually incorporate slow-paced running into your routine. It’s also important to train both your body and mind to prevent falls.
Investing in trail-running shoes and a hydration system can help enhance your experience and safety on the trails. Finally, remember to be mindful and respectful when running on trails. Keep your eyes and ears open and maintain good trail stewardship by practicing the Leave No Trace principles.
Trail running can offer an engaging and rewarding experience, regardless of your age. As Dan Rague, a seasoned trail runner, puts it, “There’s something about running in nature that’s kind of primal. I feel a part of it when I’m out there.”
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